Rep. Fishbein Leads House to Protect Victims of Domestic Violence from Coerced Debt
Recognizing that financial abuse can be an underreported yet aggressive form of domestic violence, State Representative Craig Fishbein (R-90) today celebrated the unanimous House passage of a bill he helped create to protect victims of domestic violence from coerced debt, including creating a civil liability for abusers.
Senate Bill 123 – An Act Concerning Coerced Debt – establishes strong definitions of coerced debt, and creates a structure that indemnifies victims, forces restitution from abusers, and provides an avenue for victims to bring civil actions against offenders. It permits a victim of domestic violence to petition a credit card company within sixty days to investigate a claim that the debt was coerced, during which time the collection of the debt is required to be suspended, however it does not toll interest charges. At the completion of the investigation the credit card company is given the option to continue with its collection or assert its rights against the abuser. In either event, the matter is addressed by the courts – the proper place for such disputes.
“I am very thankful for the advocates and leadership for their assistance in getting this groundbreaking legislation to where it is. Whether physical, emotional, or financial, domestic violence is abhorrent in any form. I am proud to continue to stand up on behalf of victims and making a clear statement that Connecticut will not tolerate such heinous behavior,” Rep. Fishbein, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee said. “I can sincerely say that today, with this legislation, Connecticut is leading the entire nation on this concept, and keeps us on the vanguard of having the strongest possible protections for victims of domestic violence.”
The bill awaits action in the Senate, which is expected in the next few days.
The legislative session adjourns at midnight on Wednesday, May 8th.